Our GEM Trainers

Alice Holden

First Aid Trainer

Alice is new to being a first aid trainer however has been trained in first aid for over ten years. Alice began her career working in the education sector and was always involved in first aid and safety at schools.

During a worldwide pandemic her mother suffered from an illness causing her to need CPR. From that point Alice knew she wanted to teach and train first aid so others could have the skills and abilities to deal with situations like she has.

In her spare time Alice likes spending time relaxing with her husband, son and husky.

Catherine Wilkinson

First Aid Trainer

Catherine left her career in banking after 20 years to raise her family. 10 years ago Catherine re-trained and became a NHS trainer working in local hospitals and schools teaching a basic first aid programme to children and adults in the Bradford area. After this, Catherine completed her teaching qualification, assessors award and a tutor training programme to enable her to teach regulated qualifications across the community. Catherine’s interest in the subject has deepened over the years and she has come to appreciate what a difference first aid training can make to people’s lives. In addition to this, Catherine enjoys interacting with delegates on courses and feels that first aid should be taught as widely as possible.

In Catherine’s spare time, she enjoys socialising, keeping fit and spending time with her family.

Gloria Cooke

First Aid & Safety Trainer

Gloria is a very experienced First Aid and Health & Safety Instructor and has delivered many First Aid and Health & Safety courses.

Gloria’s working career began in the hospitality industry, but as a frustrated nurse decided to attend a Red Cross First Aid course, which eventually has lead to a whole new career for Gloria.

She has held a First at Work certificate for twenty three years which has given her a great deal on hands on experience.

As she has always been a trainer in the work place she got the opportunity to teach in Further Education, where she achieved her Certificate in Education and NEBOSH qualifications.

Her passion for First Aid is because she believes that all ages, should have that knowledge to enable them to make a difference which she knows she can contribute to.

In Gloria’s spare time she enjoys gardening, patchwork, bead weaving, and the Woman’s Institute.

Johnny Valentine

First Aid & Safety Trainer

Johnny has been first aid trained for over 10 years and has always had a passion for first aid, feeling it is an important and desirable skill to have. After working in customer service for 12 years Johnny recently changed career following his lifelong interest in health and safety and first aid. Having seen first hand the importance of first aid training in every day situations through dealing with the public, it is an important skill he wants to train others up in.

In his free time Johnny enjoys walking, football and spending time with his family.

Shelley Armstrong

First Aid Trainer

Shelley has an experienced background in business and enjoyed working for both UK and overseas companies before starting a family.

Nine years ago she changed career direction and became an NHS trainer teaching a basic emergency first aid programme and working with both school children and community groups. An interest in team building and leadership skill development combined with a passion for the outdoors then led to her running an adventure activity business that offered bespoke courses and experiences to school groups and businesses.

Shelley has now completed her Teaching and Assessing qualifications and returned to a role in First Aid instruction. She has an active interest in first aid and is enthusiastic about the difference it can make in a community setting if both adults and children have training.

In her spare time Shelley enjoys spending time with her family, walking and running with Digory (her springer spaniel), decorating, gardening and socialising with friends.